FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Arts Council will present artists from its Performing Arts Directory in a special showcase for arts presenters and the general public who need to hire singers, songwriters, bands, dancers, theater performers and storytellers, for bookings, special events and projects.

Kentucky On Stage features a slate of artists from the Performing Arts Directory, including new acts recently added to the online roster of adjudicated artists. The event is 1–5 p.m. Aug. 22, in the William Stamps Farish Theater at the Lexington Public Library.

Whether in need of performers for festivals, receptions, art openings, conference entertainment or other special events, finding the right performer can be as easy as consulting the Performing Arts Directory or attending Kentucky On Stage.

"When you book artists listed in the directory, you know they already have the arts council's seal of approval," said Brad Downall, executive director of the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts in Madisonville. "I have never been disappointed with an artist I hired who was listed in the Performing Arts Directory."

The arts council's Performing Arts Directory is an online roster of performing artists and groups who have been approved for listing through a juried selection process. Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts. Artistic excellence, performance history and marketing capacity are all scrutinized during the review process. More than 90 artists are included in the online roster.

"Performing artists meet high standards to be approved for listing in the directory," said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. "Artists in the directory are proven professionals who will deliver what they promise to the people who hire them. They know the business and are willing to work with presenters and individuals to meet expectations and make their events a success."

Kentucky On Stage is a mini-booking conference and training opportunity for performing arts presenters, librarians, festival organizers, park directors, Main Street and Renaissance program managers, convention and tourism officials, wedding and event planners, civic leaders, college and university activity boards, educators, community center directors and others interested in booking Kentucky performing artists.

From country to Americana and thumbpicking guitar to traditional Chinese pipa playing, this year's Kentucky On Stage features a dynamic mix of singers, songwriters, musicians, theater performers, puppeteers, a flamenco dancer and more. A full list of performers and complete schedule is online on the arts council's website.

Downall, whose venue seats more than 1,000 people and presents visual art exhibits, music and theater performance, and a host of community events on a year-round basis, regularly hires Kentucky artists for the center's seasons that also includes nationally known acts.

"There are so many performing artists and agencies out there contacting presenters," he said. "It's nice to know the arts council has this vetting process."

Kentucky On Stage is open to anyone who is interested in hiring Kentucky performers for events and projects. The event is free and open to the public.

The Lexington Public Library Central location is at 140 E. Main St. Advance registration for presenters is required and is online at the arts council's website. American Sign Language interpreters will be featured during performances. For more information about registration or the event, contact Tamara Coffey, Kentucky On Stage coordinator, at 502-564-3757, ext. 479, or tamara.coffey@ky.gov.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.